Mitsubishi attempts to regroup with new Lancer

Mitsubishi is aiming to regain traction as a contender among import-based manufacturers with the 2008 Lancer leading the way to increased public acceptance and corporate prosperity.

How, you ask? By adding style, interior room, 32 more base horsepower and a bit of a rally-racing edge, a motorsports discipline for which the company is internationally known.

The Lancer first arrived in 2002 as a replacement for the subcompact Mirage and was the more tepid version of the brand's torrid Evolution rally-based machine. The Lancer performed well as a grocery-getter and was considered a solid choice for newbie buyers, but its old-school styling couldn't be denied, even after a mild facelift in 2004.

Compared to the outgoing model, this one's a beauty, featuring what Mitsubishi refers to as a "shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes." That's for you do decide, but this high-flying Lancer no longer appears to be a fish out of water. The beltline - where the side glass meets the doors - has also been significantly raised and the rear deck blunted in a fashion similar to what you'd see on an Acura TL sedan.

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The 2008 Lancer is about a half-inch shorter in overall length than the '07 model, but the space between the front and rear wheels has been expanded by 1.4 inches and close to 3 inches of width has been added. The width is the only radical change, but the new measurements, along with the crisp sheet metal, do make the car appear sportier.

The cabin features a bit more elbow and rear-seat legroom plus slightly more trunk space. The standard gray/charcoal cloth seat coverings are typical for sedans in this price bracket while the faux carbon-fiber with satin nickel trim has been tastefully applied. As well, the gauges and switches appear straightforward.

The '08 Lancer platform was actually first used by the new-for-'07 Outlander sport-ute. The chassis is considerably stiffer and more resistant to twisting in an effort to improve both handling and ride quality.

The task of getting under way is handled by a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces both the base 120-horse 2.0 and the optional 162-horse 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder from 2007. California buyers, however, get a 143-horsepower engine that helps the Lancer qualify as a partial zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV) in that state.

A five-speed manual transmission directs power to the front wheels while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. On the top-level GTS model, the CVT has six built-in "steps" that are controlled using magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

As for trim levels, the content-challenged DE gets power windows, tilt steering column and a basic 140-watt stereo, but is devoid of air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power door locks or even a floor console with armrest. Most of those accessories are optional, but included on the mid-level ES along with alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver's seat, keyless remote entry and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

The GTS adds climate control, 18-inch wheels, front and side air dams, sport bucket seats, sport-tuned suspension with beefy front and rear anti-roll bars to help the car corner with minimal body lean.

The ES and GTS are the only way to fly if you want to dress up your Lancer with a premium 650-watt, nine-speaker sound system and power sunroof, while the GTS holds exclusive rights to the Navigation and Technology Package that consists of the obvious navigation system plus keyless entry and engine-start transmitter.

All Lancers come with seven air bags, including front-impact, side-impact, side-curtain and driver's knee inflatable.

The new Lancer is an impressive piece of work and a car that looks and acts the part of an entry-sedan with aspirations of greatness. Given half a chance, it will do well against its contemporaries and deliver at least a modicum of fame and fortune in Mitsubishi's direction.